Cherish by Kris Bryant

Author:Kris Bryant [Bryant, Kris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B0CG2NVQ43
Goodreads: 85676559
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2023-09-11T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

It was hard not to stare at her when I walked into the gallery. There were several patrons in the small space, but I didn’t want to leave. Sometime before dawn, Olivia sneaked out of my bed. I vaguely remember her leaving but I was so exhausted that I couldn’t remember if I told her to have a good day. Parts of my body were tender when I stretched awake and sadness washed over me when I realized she wasn’t next to me.

“Welcome to Monteclair Gallery,” she said. She looked beautiful and I swear she glowed.

I felt like I was floating. This incredible woman, whom I admired for years, and I had the most amazing night together. I wanted to slide up next to her, pull her flush against me, and kiss her slightly swollen lips, but now wasn’t the time. I squeezed her hand to have a physical connection.

“Thank you. It looks like you have quite the crowd.”

She pulled away first but her fingers lingered on my forearm. “A typical Saturday on the cape.”

“Would you like me to bring you lunch? I don’t think you’ll be leaving anytime soon. Unless you want me to step in for you.”

“Thank you, but I ate a late breakfast. I’ll be fine until dinner.” She wore a blue sleeveless shell and cream-colored pants. Her hair fell in waves down her back. I remembered how it brushed across my skin as she made her way down my body several times throughout the night.

“You look beautiful.” The words spilled from my lips before I had a chance to hold them back. She quickly looked around to see who might have overheard and took a step back. I mouthed “I’m sorry” and directed my attention elsewhere when a patron waved her over with questions about a sculpture.

I liked Olivia’s gallery. It wasn’t cluttered. Each piece had its own space. When it became apparent that she wasn’t going to break free anytime soon, I decided to bail. Standing around made me look desperate and I wanted to support her, not stifle her. I waved good-bye when I caught her attention and smiled when she tilted her head and lifted her eyebrow at me. I would see her later for sure. I picked up a flyer on my way out about the end-of-the-summer art fair. I qualified, but I only had a few paintings I could display. I saw Beth through Goda Gallery’s window and decided to pop over to say hello.

“Josie. Hi.” Beth greeted me warmly. I told myself I was going to have to be a better friend. In the last two weeks, I’d barely even texted her. She pointed to the flyer in my hand. “Oh, are you going to do that? Do you want to exhibit your art here?” I knew she genuinely wanted to help me, but I was unsure of Olivia’s plans.

“I don’t know. I just picked it up from Olivia’s. Since I’m taking private lessons, she might get first dibs.”

Beth laughed.

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